Kinderhook Reformed Church Worship Service
Route 9 & Church Street, Kinderhook, NY
10:00 a.m. January 29, 2012
“To Know Christ and to Make Him Known”

Rev. Rudy Visser, Pastor

A WARM WELCOME TO VISITORS
You are invited to sign our Guest Book at the church entrance and to fill out a pew card and place it in the offering plate. We would like to get to know you better, and we invite you to enjoy fellowship and refreshments with us at Coffee Hour downstairs in the Fellowship Room following today’s Worship Service.

CALL TO WORSHIP (Responsive) - Based in part on Psalm 40, The Message.
Leader: Blessed are those who give themselves over to GOD,
Women: who turn their backs on the world’s “sure thing,”
Men: who ignore what the world worships.
Leader: LORD my GOD, nothing and no one comes close to YOU.
Women: I start talking about YOU, and quickly run out of words.
Men: Neither numbers nor words account for YOU.
Leader: LORD GOD, YOU are great and awesome.
Women: In the light of YOUR great gift, Jesus Christ,
Men: let us join now together in joyous celebration.
All: Our GOD is a mighty and wondrous GOD, and in this season of light and hope, we worship and give HIM our praise.
*HYMN OF PRAISE #77 Praise to the Lord, the Almighty
CALL TO CONFESSION
Psalm 34:18 says, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Let us admit our brokenness to God.
PRAYER OF CONFESSION (Unison)

Gracious God, one by one the disciples left all they had to follow the long-awaited Messiah. You promised them hardship, rejection, a loss of comfort, hostility, suffering, and finally, a cross to carry. Piously we give lip service to following you but complain when it is difficult; worry when we cannot see where you are leading; question, “Why?” when suffering inevitably comes; and choose to ignore the parts of the gospel that disrupt our sense of security. Forgive us, Lord.
[Moment of Silent Prayer and Confession]
(Continued on next page.)

Forgive our selfish desire to follow but at no cost;
to claim you but not risk anything on your behalf; to embrace new life without experiencing the garden of Gethsemane. Remind us that we live not for ourselves but for a needy world, in your stead. We are entitled to share in your joy only as we share also in your suffering.
[Moment of Silent Prayer and Confession]
By the power of your Spirit, give us boldness
and courage to be your disciples in word, truth, and deed. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON - Based on Luke 1:50, 54-55.
Friends, know and believe - as we open our hearts to our Savior, Jesus Christ, who came to us as a baby of humble birth, and as we await His return - we are already forgiven. Thanks be to God! Amen. Alleluia! Amen.
CHILDREN’S PRAYER BLESSING (Unison)
Draw our children face-to-face with you, O Lord. May they know and celebrate your presence, goodness, and love in their lives; may they experience your power to renew and strengthen them in times of need; and may they long for more of you each day. Amen.

We Come Before God’s Open Word
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION (Unison)
Heavenly Father, show us your will, for you are our God. Guide us by your good Spirit in the way of wisdom, and lead us to the Spring of Living Water along level paths, that we may not stumble. Amen.
SCRIPTURE LESSON 2 Samuel 6:1-5, 12b-19 (p. 218)
MESSAGE “Shall we Dance?”
PRAYER OF BLESSING

Celebrating God
WE GIVE OUR TITHES AND OFFERINGS/OFFERTORY
*DOXOLOGY and PRAYER (Unison)
Gracious God, as we celebrate the power of the resurrection this day, we ask that you would receive these offerings and gifts that we give joyfully and generously. By the power of your Spirit, multiply them and use them to bring peace, justice, hope and the good news of Jesus Christ to all the world. Amen.
ANNOUNCEMENTS CONCERNING THE FAMILY OF GOD
PASTORAL PRAYER and THE LORD’S PRAYER
*HYMN #346 (Verses 1, 2, and 3) Sing Praise to the Lord
*BENEDICTION and RESPONSE - My Friends, May You Grow in Grace
My friends, may you grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior.
My friends, may you grow in grace, and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ.
To God be the glory, now and forever, now and forever, amen. (2x)
POSTLUDE

ABOUT TODAY’S OPENING HYMN, “PRAISE TO THE LORD, THE ALMIGHTY”
This hymn was written by Joachim Neander, born in Germany in 1650. His father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather – all Joachim Neanders – had been preachers of the gospel, but as a young student, Joachim was wild and rebellious. At twenty, he joined a group of students who descended on St. Martin’s Church in Bremen to ridicule the worshippers. But the sermon that day captured his attention and led to his conversion. A few years later, he was assistant preacher at St. Martin’s and the first hymnwriter from the Calvinist branch of Protestantism. When he was thirty – the year he died – he wrote this while battling tuberculosis: “Praise ye the Lord, the Almighty, the King of Creation. O my soul praise Him, for He is thy health and Salvation.”
Joachim often took long “worship walks” near his home during which he frequently composed hymns and sang them to the Lord. A favorite spot of his was a beautiful gorge in which the Dussel River flowed. He so loved this valley that it was eventually named for him - Neander Thal, the old German word for “valley” being “thal” with a silent h. In 1856, limestone miners in Neander Thal discovered the first fossilized bones of whom we now refer to as Neanderthal Man. Little did Joachim Neander know as he walked in his lovely valley that hundreds of years later his name would become famous, not for his hymns celebrating creation, but for a concept he would have totally rejected: human evolution.

Next Sunday is Communion Sunday, which has been designated for the presentation of gifts, over and above regular giving, to the Benevolent Fund. Please support this important ministry which provides assistance to needy church family & community members.

Praise God for the spiritual blessings and good times had by the 6 young people and 4 leaders who attended the Excel conference recently. Not all of the kids were able to meet the cost of the conference fee and lodging ($141), and sponsors to help make up the shortfall would be greatly appreciated. Checks may be written to KRC with “Excel” on the memo line.

KRC SMALL GROUPS
PLEASE NOTE: KRC’s small groups offered on Thursdays at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. will resume this coming Thursday, February 2 with all-new group study materials. All are invited to join one of these groups, and walk-ins are welcome!

2011 CONTRIBUTION STATEMENTS FOR FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS, INCLUDING A LETTER OF APPRECIATION AND FINANCIAL UPDATE FROM BARBARA VOSBURGH, KRC TREASURER, ARE NOW AVAILABLE ON THE BACK TABLE OF THE SANCTUARY IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. PLEASE PICK YOURS UP TODAY.

The Church Family Ministry is happily rescheduling a KRC FAMILY CHILI NITE to begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, February 18. Donations of the following items would be greatly appreciated to round out the food menu and entertainment, and volunteers may sign up for these on the sheet at the back table of the sanctuary: two (2) mixed green salads and dressings; two (2) 9x13 pans of brownies; two (2) 1/2 gallons of vanilla ice cream; sodas and juices, chips; games of any kind. Chili, cornbread, hotdogs, and rolls will be provided, and brownie sundaes will be made with the donated brownies and ice cream. In addition, you will not want to miss hearing William Carroll give a presentation on his travels in Australia.

For those who are using the envelope system to present tithes and offerings to the church, some new envelopes for 2012 are still waiting for pick-up in the back of the sanctuary. Boxes are labeled in alphabetical order by last name. IF YOU ARE NOT USING OFFERING ENVELOPES, BUT WOULD LIKE TO BEGIN, PLEASE FILL OUT ONE OF THE SMALL GREEN REQUEST SLIPS IN THE PICK-UP AND DROP IT IN THE OFFERING PLATE. YOU MAY DO THIS NOW OR AT ANY TIME WITHIN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS.

With the exception of the Christmas poinsettias and Easter lilies, KRC will no longer be handling the ordering, delivery, and placement of flowers for the pulpit area. However, we invite anyone who wishes to do so to purchase fresh flowers on their own and place them on the platform pedestals. Vases are available for this purpose if needed. A sheet may be found on the back table in the sanctuary for signing up to bring flowers and for noting memorials and celebrations for which they are being given. As before, donors’ names and memorial notes will still be published in the Sunday bulletins. If you have questions regarding this change in policy, please see Dawn van Buren.

BE SURE TO PICK UP FROM THE BACK TABLE A COPY OF LIBBY LITTLE’S SPEAKING ENGAGEMENT SCHEDULE , JANUARY THROUGH JULY 10, 2012, AND USE IT AS A GUIDE FOR REMEMBERING LIBBY IN PRAYER AS SHE CARRIES OUT A VERY STRENUOUS AND DEMANDING ITINERARY.

MANY THANKS AND BLESSINGS TO THE KRC FAMILY FOR THEIR GENEROSITY IN SUPPORT OF THE VALATIE FOOD PANTRY. The Pantry served 104 families last November and 83 families in December. The Pantry is heavily over-stocked on spaghetti at this time, but other non-perishable foods that are always popular are evaporated milk; coffee; sugar; boxed cereals; pancake mix; syrup; jelly; canned meats, fruits, and vegetables; spaghetti sauce; mac & cheese; dinner helpers; apple sauce; juice; cake & brownie mixes. Donations may be placed in the collection containers available in the entryways of the church.

KRC’s share of support will be $6,456 in 2012 for services and resources to be provided for us by the Reformed Church in America at the local, regional, and national levels. EACH MEMBER’S SHARE OF CLASSIS ASSESSMENT FOR 2012 HAS BEEN SET AT $81.72, UP ONLY 87¢ FROM LAST YEAR! THIS AVERAGES OUT TO JUST $1.57 PER WEEK PER MEMBER. All who are able to do so are encouraged to offer, over and above their regular giving, their share of this support. The full share does not have to be given at one time, but may be given in as many increments as are convenient throughout the year. All contributions made for this purpose should be clearly designated, “Classis Assessment.” MANY THANKS TO THOSE WHO DONATED over $4,000 THIS PAST YEAR TO HELP DEFRAY THIS ONGOING EXPENSE.

Orders for 2012 calendars, featuring photographs of Kinderhook by Jim Dunham, are being accepted for a donation of $15 to benefit the Kinderhook Cemetery. To order one of these beautiful calendars, contact Jim, 758-6171.

Kinderhook Reformed Church has launched its Tricentennial Celebration! The 300th Anniversary Banner is now on display, and a photograph will be taken of the congregation in front of the church under the banner in the spring. AT LEAST ONE 300th BIRTHDAY EVENT IS BEING PLANNED FOR EACH MONTH OF 2012, AND EVERYONE’S HELP IS VERY MUCH NEEDED. WE ASK THAT YOU PRAYERFULLY CONSIDER HOW YOU MIGHT PARTICIPATE IN THIS UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR MINISTRY TO OUR CONGREGATION AND COMMUNITY. Please pray that God will continue to bless our church family as we move forward into our year-long celebration, and that each activity carried out will further our mission to know Christ and make Him known. Contact Laura Rafferty, (518) 653-3994, with offers to assist in this ministry.

Rev. John Bowen, supply pastor and supervisor for KRC for many months during the pastoral search for Rev. Nate Meldrim, retired from the ministry as of December 31. For those of you who would like to send a personal note or card, his address is 10 Willis Avenue, Catskill, NY 12414.

Remember To Thank & Praise God for
• all who serve KRC Ministries by meeting regularly, setting goals, preparing recommendations, & working together to complete projects and responsibilities.
• Pastor Rudy Visser, a Spirit-filled preacher of the Word and leader of vision.
• Stacey Baker’s excellent and complication-free recovery from recent jaw surgery.
• Joan Clause’s continuing good recovery from a recent stroke
• the blessing of family and friends.
• the wonderful ways God shows his love to us, especially during difficult times.
•
• those men and women who have served or are now serving our country, & those who have sacrificed their well-being and lives for the peace & liberties we enjoy.

Regular reports are needed on the progress or condition of all individuals on our prayer and praise lists. If you have updated information, especially regarding individuals whose names appear in bold print, please call the church office.

Remember to Pray for
• those who do not know Christ, have turned their back on God, or are struggling in their faith.
• KRC’s Consistory members and administrative ministries.
• KRC programs & projects and those implementing and administering them: Natural Church Development; church restoration; KRC’s 300th birthday events.
• leaders & those attending KRC’s Sunday School, Youth Group, new small group ministries, adult Bible study, Community Prayer Group, and New Members’ Class.
• our state and national leaders, that God will grant them the leadership skills, wisdom, and the personal protection needed to govern effectively and safely.
• our missionaries: Dave and Char Alexander, Perry Jones and Capital City Rescue Mission, Alex and Fran Knauss, Maureen Menard, Dick and Carolyn Otterness, Brian and Bea Post, Seth and Melissa Rogati, Betty Ann Stedwell.
• our children sponsored through Compassion or other agencies.
• those, especially children, victimized by famine, drought, and other natural disasters; abuses of war and violence; exploitation; neglect; and family hostility.
• those grieving the loss of loved ones, especially family and friends grieving the recent death of Al Van Alstyne.
• Jan Herrmann, mother of Eric Herrmann, recovering at home from a back injury received in an auto accident this past week. Pray for pain relief and a speedy and complete healing for Jan.
• those dealing with cancer: Stephanie; Ron Jensen; Patricia’s mother; Shelly LoPiccolo; Donna Scalera; Emese; Joann Marvin; Rick; Matt; Tom Saulpaugh.
• Myrtle, 98, in hospice, and for her daughter and grandchildren assisting in her care.
• those awaiting test results or surgery; recovering from surgery, injury, or illness; chronically ill; or in hospice care: Richard Williams; Patricia Taliaferro; Susan; Patricia and twins; Carol; Florence Rivera, Mary Ann; Ryan; Laree Devine; Joan Clause; Gordie Van Buren; Sue Jones; Ron Stockhoff; Ken Smith; Kathy Schneider’s father and Charles March, Sr. in Barnwell; Paul Varga.
• those facing challenges, conflicts, difficult decisions: Louise; Libby Little, facing a demanding itinerary of speaking engagements; those struggling with unnamed issues; caregivers of children with health/developmental issues; those with employment or other economic troubles; those suffering discouragement, depression, despair, or other mental health issues; those struggling with dependencies/substance abuse; those dealing with family relationships; young people challenged by the demands of schooling, looking for jobs, dealing with many temptations confronting young adults.
• God’s blessing on those recently engaged/married, expecting babies, new/first-time parents: Brad and Kelly Ennis Babic (Baby Taylor Marie), the Principis (Baby Gianna Drew),
• those caring for the elderly, displaced, disabled, or ill, especially Diane Morgan.
• our residence-bound members: Murray Leonardson and Mike Rivera.
• our military men and women, especially Courtney Hemmert; Will Ryan; Matt Plescia; and Spencer Moore - that they may know God’s presence and protection.
• families and friends of our military troops, and victims of warfare & violence worldwide, that they may be blessed with God’s peace and reassurance.
• the power of the peace & love of Christ to subdue everywhere the spirits of hatred, hostility, unforgiveness, cruelty, vengeance, and warfare.

OFFICE, EMAIL,W
EBSITE, AND FAX INFORMATION
Email Address – krc@fairpoint.net
Website Address – kinderhookreformedchurch.com
Rev. Rudy is scheduled to be in his church office
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings.
If you wish to meet with Pastor during these times,
please call ahead for an appointment.
Evenings have been set aside for meetings, pastoral visitations,
and counseling.
For assistance on Mondays, please call 859-4158
Church Phone 758-6401 Church Fax 758-6402
Phone messages are picked up several times daily.
If you need immediate assistance anytime, please call 859-4158.